Cover

[Bigplumbs]

About 4 years ago I bought a very good and strong winter cover of ebay for my 16 foot fletcher speedboat. Earlier this year I bought one for my brothers boat and it was complete rubbish. It has ripped to shreds already in all this wind we have been having. I need to get another one and all those on ebay seem the same as the poor one I bought. My ebay history only goes back 3 years so cant see where I got the good one from.

Apart from going bespoke where do you all suggest. It would be for a 16 - 18 foot boat

Dennis

[betty boop]

Ive got a Panda cover on mine at the moment, http://www.thepandacover.co.uk from ebay

the first Panda lasted approx 2 years in constant direct sunlight, this one has been on for 10 months and is as new but I did have the old one (no longer waterproof) over the top of it too save the exposure. I don't expect it too last past Summer 2017 so I'll need a new one for the 17/18 winter.

They are REASONABLE for £56 but are no way a long term money saver but they're the best Ive seen on eBay. First thing to go is the waterproofing on the inside so they start to leak strangely the material itself holds up and doesn't rot apart. Others Ive had from the USA not eBay have dissolved after 1 season and I managed to put my hand through them as if they are wet paper.

I've tried to get a made to measure all over cover but as part of my money vs life span theory at £56 every 2 years it is still 50% cheaper than spending £500 (quoted) for a cover that will only last 5-6 years. A word of warning though, Im told that a lot of cover makers 'on the net' are using the cheap Chinese fabrics but are still charging £400+ and they won't last over 3 years

[BruceK]

I'd seriously reconsider a bespoke tailored cover. Why? A cover also needs to breath and not catch condensate. Do yourself a favour. Find out how much it will cost to replace vinyl and foam seating and to replace glass epoxy covered wood fittings underneath that lot. I got quoted 4 grand for my cockpit seating to be refoamed, backed and covered and apparently it's a fair price. Also check out the colours where you will be mooring. Look for the colours that the gulls like to crap on and avoid those colours. Gulls aren't to bad, but the oyster catchers and shell fish eaters poo will make mincemeat of your cover when you try get it off. The shell flakes are like razors.

[Ianfs]

+1
Wot he said.

Call Nickys Canvassworks in Brighton and ask her for a quote.
07831 236651

[betty boop]

well given that i live in the wettest part of the UK that is below sea level and its as damp as hell but for a 10 year boat the sets and plastics are in top condition so I don't see your point on that one. Yes having a £500 cover looks great and serves a purpose but condensate? its blowing 20mph out there today (normal) and the cover is not wrapped up like cling film there is plenty of air circulating and not one bit of moisture inside. If she was on a mooring Id think differently but she's on a drive away 10 mile from the sea 8 years in London so a shit proof cover is a bit OTT.

Now if I was to wrap it up in cling film or a heavy plastic ripstop cover material like has been recommended by the last (dingy) cover maker I approached then yes I may expect a problem. Sometimes you don't have to throw money to get something that works just as well.

[ChrisH]

Can't help I'm afraid. Had a bespoke cover for the last boat. But I was trailering 2000 miles to Spain and back at 70 mph so wanted something that would not flap about and hold up. Current boat came with a heavy duty cover. Think it might be off the shelf from somewhere.